Ln. Md. Shamim Sikder

This year’s SSC and equivalent examinations were conducted in a fair, orderly, and cheating-free environment. 

A strict approach was also taken in evaluating the answer sheets, ensuring an authentic assessment of students’ actual merit. Consequently, although the pass rate has dropped compared to previous years, the quality of education has been preserved. If this system continues, students will be more focused on their studies and will develop a deeper interest in learning. Illegitimate privileges in exam halls will be eliminated. Every student will achieve results in accordance with their true capabilities. While some may be disheartened by the results, this initiative is a crucial step toward enhancing the overall quality of education. Through this method, deserving students will receive the recognition they genuinely deserve. Overall, the results of this year's SSC and equivalent exams set a precedent for merit-based evaluation. Thanks to the directives of the current government and the firm stance of field-level administrative officials, it was possible to conduct the exams in a fair and cheating-free environment. For that, we express our sincere gratitude to these officials.

On July 10, the SSC and equivalent exam results were published. Across the 10 education boards in the country, a total of 1,928,970 candidates sat for the exams, both regular and irregular. Among them, 951,697 were male and 952,389 were female students. Of these, 626,981 boys and 676,445 girls passed. The average pass rate across all boards this year is 68.45%, the lowest in the last 15 years. A total of 139,032 students obtained GPA-5. In comparison, the previous year saw a pass rate of 83.03%, with 182,129 students achieving GPA-5. Thus, the pass rate has dropped by 14.95% this year. Rajshahi Board secured the highest pass rate at 77.63%, while Barishal Board had the lowest at 56.38%. Jessore Board was second with 73.69%, followed by the Technical Board at 73.63%, Chattogram at 72.07%, Madrasah at 68.09%, Sylhet at 68.57%, Dhaka at 67.51%, Dinajpur at 67.03%, Cumilla at 63.60%, and Mymensingh at 58.22%.

This year, the evaluation of answer sheets was significantly stricter than in previous years. In earlier years, some leniency was exercised, including the allocation of grace marks to boost pass rates. Examiners, moderators, and head examiners often received specific instructions from the boards. However, none of that occurred this year. The evaluation was done strictly according to academic standards. Examiners awarded marks strictly based on what students had written—no more, no less. Prof. Khondokar Ehsanul Kabir, Chairman of the Dhaka Education Board and head of the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee, told journalists: “We had no specific target to increase or decrease the pass rate. Our mission was simply to conduct a fair exam.” He further added, “When teachers came to collect answer sheets, they asked if there were any special instructions. We clearly stated—no. The evaluation was completed in due process, and the results we received were published accordingly.” 

Due to government directives and strict supervision by field administrators, students were unable to use dishonest means. As a result, the examinations were held in a clean and fair environment, allowing an accurate assessment of student merit. The GPAs achieved this year are purely based on individual effort and merit. Speaking to reporters, GM Shahidul Islam, Exam Controller of the Barishal Education Board, said, “To determine the true quality of education, we had to conduct stricter exams. That’s why students couldn’t cheat. Teachers also evaluated answer sheets more rigorously and didn’t show leniency like before. As a result, the results may seem lower.” However, the fact that nearly 600,000 students failed this year is undoubtedly alarming. The greater concern now is whether these students will drop out of the education system or continue their studies. Will they become unskilled and unemployed? This question demands urgent attention from all stakeholders. A special strategy must be adopted for these students. Our primary goal should be to ensure that no student drops out of the education system. Teachers and parents need to provide extra care to these students and keep them connected to learning.

Perhaps many of these students are struggling with feelings of hopelessness, believing they can never do well in exams again. Therefore, educational institutions must arrange separate remedial classes and counseling. Empathetic guidance is essential. With proper counseling, their despair can be replaced with determination. Parents and teachers should not break their spirit but rather encourage them. Failure in one exam does not equate to failure in life. 

The results of the 2025 SSC and equivalent exams mark the beginning of a new era in our education system—where not grades but merit and ethics take precedence. These results should not be labeled a “disaster”; rather, they represent a bold move to establish quality in Bangladesh’s education framework. For years, we have demanded such an evaluation system, where each student is assessed based on genuine knowledge and ability. This year, we have finally seen that vision come to life. The statistics may appear disappointing to some. But these numbers reflect reality—there are no extra marks, no sympathetic grading, and no political influence. What has been earned is the fruit of true merit and perseverance. Now, it is the duty of educators, parents, policymakers, and society to view these failed students with empathy, not judgment. They must be supported, guided, and encouraged. Education is not just about exam results; it is the key to building one’s life. Poor performance in a single test should be seen as an opportunity for reflection and growth—not failure. Today’s unsuccessful students, if given proper direction and motivation, could become tomorrow’s leaders.

This year’s results signal the start of a healthy culture in our education system—where merit and integrity prevail. If this trend continues, we will soon see a knowledge-based, just, and capable Bangladesh. A country where every student develops through their own intellect and efforts and contributes to building a prosperous future nation.

The writer is a college teacher & columnis.